Rottweilers—the protector of humans. Because ultimately, this dog saves lives through its work. And this dog does work; as a police dog, a guard dog, a rescue dog and even as a therapy dog. Read more about the origins of this dog in the Best Bully SticksBreed Spotlight on the Rottweiler.

History & Background: Rottweiler’s hail from Rottweil, Germany where they were used as herding dogs for sheep and for carrying carts full of goods to market. In fact, Rottweiler’s are one of the oldest herding breeds. Rottweiler’s were selectively breed for their herding and guarding characteristics but as the need for these skills diminished over the years, breeding slowed down. At one point in the early 1900s there was only one living female Rottweiler in Rottweil, Germany. Not too long after this, Rottweiler clubs were started to preserve the breed and since, the breed hasn’t changed much at all.

During and since WWI & WWII the Rottweiler has been used a police dog, messenger, ambulance and guard dogs. The AKC recognized this breed in 1931

Height: 24″-27″ for males; 22″-25″ for females

Weight: 110-132 lbs for males; 77-105 lbs for females

Coat: Rottweiler’s coats are simply designed: a medium-length, dense and flat outer coat and an undercoat, which is mostly present on neck and thighs. The amount of undercoat will depend on the climate the dog is in, but should never show through the outer coat. This breed only sheds seasonally.

Color: The coloring of Rottweiler is very specific. This dog should be mostly black with rust-to-mahogany colored markings in a few particular places (from AKC.org): a spot over each eye; on cheeks; as a strip around each side of muzzle, but not on the bridge of the nose; on throat; triangular mark on both sides of chest; on forelegs from mid-leg downward to the toes; on inside of rear legs showing down the front of the stifle and broadening out to front of rear legs from hock to toes, but not completely eliminating black from rear of pasterns; under tail; black penciling on toes. The overall markings shouldn’t be more than 10 percent of the entire total body coloring.

Appearance: Overall, the Rottweiler is a medium-large dog that is strong, muscular and powerful. This dog is compact, yet very sturdy with a broad head, thick neck, small eyes and medium triangular ears. The chest is deep and the tail is usually docked short in the U.S. but in other parts of the world this practice is banned.

Temperament: This breed is obedient, self-confident and fearless. These are all carry-overs from the Rottweiler’s beginnings as a herding and guard dog. The Rottweiler still serves in these positions today, but because of their willingness to work, protect and be ultimately loyal to family, and their overall good nature, they are a great all around companion. This is also the reason why this dog has become a favorite for police and search and rescue teams. This dog has been represented negatively in the past by the media as being dangerous, but any dangerous dog of this breed solely comes about because of poor and irresponsible training and socialization skills.

Health: Rottweiler’s can suffer from hip dysplasia, cancer and as puppies seem to have a particular susceptibility toward Parvovirus.

Product Suggestions:Best Bully Sticks knows this sturdy dog need some sturdy treats and toys! We suggest the Smoked Ostrich Bone for a hearty treat that will be long-lasting enough to stand up to even the Rottweiler’s appetite! This dog bone is made from All Natural Free-Range Ostrich that still has some meat on it! A challenging toy is just what this breed needs! Check out the Large Premier Busy Buddy Jack Dog Toy! THis dog toy is extremely hard, it is not indestructible, but it can withstand a lot. You can unscrew one side of the jack to fill it with Gnawhide treats.

Do you own or know a Rottweiler? Tell us your Rottweiler story in the comments section!